What started as an Internet response to a report in The Oregonian about the U.S. Forest Service’s plans to charge exorbitant fees for photographing and video recording in designated wilderness areas, flared up into in a wildfire of public outcry and protest.
The story, “Forest Service says media needs photography permit in wilderness areas, alarming First Amendment advocates” by Rob Davis, published on the Portland newspaper’s website on Sept. 23, stated that as of November, a reporter would need special approval to shoot photos or videos, even on mobile phones.
Permits would cost up to $1,500, those who don’t get a permit could face fines up to $1,000.
